Indian PM Narendra Modi highlighted that India considers the cooperation in national defense with Viet Nam as one of its most important pillars. 

The Indian Government chief made the announcement today at a press conference following the talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Tan Dung.

Mr. Modi underlined that India commits to supporting Viet Nam in modernizing its national defense and security by expanding existing training programs, which were laid down as the important foundation; deploying joint excercises and boosting cooperation in the industry servicing national defense. 

Both PM Dung and his Indian counterpart underscored that the two countries have pursued their consistent policies of giving respect for the maintainance and development of their traditional ties and strategic partnership.

The two sides agreed to further deepen the strategic partnership through continuing regular visit exchanges at various levels; raise the two-way trade turnover to US$ 15 billion by 2020; and reinforce cooperation in national defense and security.

Both sides also reiterated to work together at regional and international forums and underlined the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, freedom of navigation and aviation, and undertaking peaceful settlements to disputes on the basis of international law.

PM Dung stressed that Viet Nam supports the “Look East Policy” of India and its increasing role in the region and the world at large.